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weighing down pool steps

Hi all,

Last year I had some problems weighing down the steps going into the pool water. I started off with the large zip-lock bags filled with sand. I had these bags open and leak on two separate occasions. Let me tell you this was a terrible mess. When lifting the "open" bags up and out of the pool it only made the mess worse. I will not use sand filled bags again.

I also bought some of the XX-large zip-lock bags and put some lifting weights into the bags. But both of these bags opened up (slightly) and let water in to rust the weights.

This year...I'm open to suggestions.

I'm thinking of filling some empty milk jugs with a concrete mix and seal the caps.

What about using the plastic coated weights- like the old cheaper weider ones they sell/sold at Sears. I think they just have concrete inside, so rust shouldn't be an issue. They would be a little bulkier though. I don't know if they still sell them in the stores, but I'll be you could find some at a garage sale.

gonefishin
I used sandbags but wrapped them in 2 heavy duty garbage bags each tied off and then tied to the steps. No leaks or problem getting in or out of the pool. I used nylon line to secure and for the tie off. One other ideal is to put the sand in 3 inch PVC with the ends capped.
Steve

I think your idea of milk jugs is perfect. To "manufacture" them easily, you can simply pour the dry quikcrete into the jug and then submerge the jug underwater in a 5 gal bucket ot some other container. The concrete will set up just fine in a day or so. You could then screw the cap back on and you'l have about a 10-12 lb weight with a handle....no corrosion issues, either,

Just a quick suggestion on the 'gal. jug' idea - tie a rope to the handle for easier removal come fall (I've 1/2 drowned myself a number of times trying to get the *&^$$* sand bags out of the steps), and placement in the spring.

Luv& Luk
-Ted

Having done construction and service for 4 pool companies in 4 states starting in 1988, what I know about pools could fill a couple of books - what I don't know could fill a couple of libraries :-D